After much consternation from fans about whether they would have him or not, Dwight Howard assuaged the anxieties of Lakers fans who were worried they’d be without one of their key players as they look for banner No. 17.
Howard, who has been one of the most vocal critics of the NBA’s Restart plans with regards to it being a distraction to other social justice concerns and has also had to deal with the tragedy of his 6-year-old son unexpectedly losing his mother, told CNN’s Don Lemon on Monday night that he will play for the Lakers and donate the remainder of his salary to the charity “Breathe Again.”
Dwight Howard on @donlemon Monday night: “I feel like we have a great opportinuty, the Lakers do, for winning the title this year … Yes, I will be joining my team in Orlando.” He says he will donate the salary he earns in the bubble to the charity Breathe Again.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 7, 2020
According to calculations from ESPN’s Bobby Marks, that donation will be about $700,000.
That’s roughly $700K in a donation for Dwight Howard. https://t.co/UdbkEQCK3T
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 7, 2020
With Howard back in the fold, the Lakers can maintain the playstyle that helped them post the best record in the Western Conference prior to the league’s suspension. The combination of Howard and starting center JaVale McGee has given the Lakers elite production at the center position while also allowing Anthony Davis to preserve his body from taking the beating that playing center full-time requires.
While Davis will certainly get his opportunities to be the big man in the middle without another center in the playoffs, saving it for when it’s absolutely necessary will be key for the Lakers to make the deep playoff run they have been waiting for.
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